California healthcare system lowers layoff estimate

Kelly Gooch -

The Ventura County Health Care Agency, a California-based system of hospital, clinic and specialty services, said the number of layoffs at the healthcare system will be less than initially projected, according to the Ventura County Star.

The agency revealed plans last month to lay off 79 regular full-time employees, suspend about 100 positions filled by per diem and temporary employees, and demote or transfer other workers.

Now the agency estimates 59 employees will be laid off from their jobs effective July 1, agency director Bill Foley told the Ventura County Board of Supervisors June 11, according to the Star.  

The layoffs and employment changes will affect workers at Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula (Calif.) Hospital. They also will affect some employees in public health and agency administration.

Mr. Foley said 20 jobs have been restored at Santa Paula Hospital and Ventura County Medical Center.

According to the Star, the agency also is restoring about 50 per diem nurse positions, more than half of the initial estimate.

The announcement came after employees at Ventura County Medical Center rallied June 4 to protest the layoffs.

Agency officials partially attributed the lower layoff prediction to more retirements than anticipated.

According to a separate Star report, Mr. Foley has told the county board of supervisors that new financial information prompted the agency to look again at some of the per diem cuts.

The agency said its overall plan is to optimize staffing.

Read the full report here.

 

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